Collapsible yarn dye tube

ABSTRACT

A dye tube assembly is disclosed comprising two tubular members, one of which telescopes a limited distance into the other. Stop means are provided on one of the members to initially limit the degree of telescoping therebetween. Both of the tubular members have a plurality of openings or perforations around the side walls thereof so as to permit dye liquor to pass therethrough. The tubes when assembled, such that one telescopes a small amount into the other, comprise a yarn dye tube around which a package of yarn may be produced. Once the package is produced on a texturing machine or the like, the tube may be placed on a spindle in a dye kettle where the yarn is to be dyed. A tapered spacer is provided between each yarn package on the dye spindle such that upon receiving a force thereon, each dye tube will experience further telescoping to a collapsed condition within the yarn package so as to permit a larger number of packages to be dyed in a single dye kettle.

I United States Patent 1 [111 3,759,460 Fyans 1 Sept. 18, 1973 1 COLLAPSIBLE YARN DYE TUBE Primary Examiner--George F. Mautz [75] Inventor: Frank Fyans, Greenville, S.C. Attorney-wanna Manmng [73] Assignee: Fyans Associates, Inc., Greenville,

57] ABSTRACT [22] Fil d; J l 1, 1971 A dye tube assembly is disclosed comprising two tubular members, one of which telescopes a limited distance [21] Appl' ls8729 into the other. Stop means are provided on one of the members to initially limit the degree of telescoping [52] 11.8. CI 242/118J, 68/198, 242/73 lherebetweenh f the tubular members have a plu- [51] Int. Cl B65h 75/10 rality of p g or p ns ar und the side walls [58] Field of Search 242/118.1, 118.1 1, thereof so as to Permit y liquor to P therethrough- 242/1181, 115, 71,9, 73, 1183, 11331 The tubes when assembled, such that one telescopes a 118,32, 113; 63/193, 139 small amount into the other, comprise a yarn dye tube around which a package of yarn may be produced. [56] References Cit d 1 Once the package is produced on a texturing machine UNITED STATES PATENTS or the like, thetube may be placed on a spindle in a dye 2 936 964 5 1960 242 H8 1 kettle where the yarn is to be dyed. A tapered spacer 2'94280 41960 :36; 242$] is provided between each yarn package on the dye spin- 1,1962 Junsbeckg; 68/198 dle such that upon receiving a force thereon, each dye 3'253436 5/1966 Soltis .........:::I:..: 41:. 68/198 tube will experience further telescoping 10 a collapsed condition within the yarn package so as to permit a FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS larger number of packages to be dyed in a single dye 1,416,340 9/1965 France 242/1 18.1 k t1l 1,492,546 7/1967 France 11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures l'l[] v milieu 26 5]? 25 /|[JEJ Uni/4 20 nt] moi is 51 .IO 52 fiiaijuu 38 E] [3 [ll] 38, [IE] [1 no 5O/[HI] E] tau UK] [II [II] 33 35 [:1 i3 [11 [3 E] El 37 34 |/32' PATENTEI] SEN 8 I975 INVENTOR.

FRANK FYANS id/w.

ATTORN Y FIG.6

FIG.5

1 COLLAPSIBLE YARN DYE TUBE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Perforated dye tubes, per se have been used for many years to improve the uniformity of package yarn dyeing. Such dye tubes are generally unitary in structure and manufactured of stainless steel. A yarn package is produced around the dye tube whereby upon the introduction of a dye liquor internally thereof, the dye liquor passes through the perforations onto the yarn at the inside of the package as well as from the outside of the yarn package. Further, perforated dye tubes have been constructed from telescoping sections, both of which are perforated to permit the admission of dye liquor from the inside as well as the outside of the yarn package.

In recent years, further means for dyeing have been developed such as dyesprings which, though not tubular, receive a sleeve or the like therearound with the yarn package produced around the surface of the sleeve. The sleeve which may be a knit tube, burlap, paper or the like facilitates ease of winding and proper package formation. Thereafter, the dye spring may be longitudinally compressed upon the application of pressure so as to reduce the overall length of the yarn package and thus permit a larger number of packages to be dyed in a single dye kettle. Still further, while the majority of the perforated dye tubes and springs in the past have been constructed from stainless steel so as to permit continued use thereof, plastic perforated dye tubes and springs have made their appearance in the marketplace.

The present invention provides an improved perforated tube for the package dyeing of yarn. An inexpensive collapsible dye tube is provided which is disposable after a single use. Dyeing capacity of the dye kettle is substantially increased, a substantial reduction in capital investment is realized for therequired number of dye tubes, contamination of the dyebath from a'previous use is avoided, no labor is required for cleaning and reconditioning tubes for additional use and less yarn is trapped during collapse than is trapped during compression of a dye spring. All of these features lead to lower overall dyeing costs and improved dyeing quality.

The present invention thus provides a dye tube that overcomes disadvantages of the prior art while improving the economics of the dyeing operation. I r

The prior art, as mentioned above, contains various teachings of perforated dye tubes, dye springs and thelike. There is, however, no teaching or suggestion in the prior art of the collapsible, disposable-yam dye tube as taught by the present invention and described and claimed herein. Exemplary of the prior art are U.S. Pat. No. 974,127 to Daniell et al; US. Pat. No. 1,500,046 to Bell; and US. Pat. No. 3,563,491 to l-lahm et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel perforated dye tube.

along at least a major portion of the length thereof and a second tubular member, said second tubular member defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said second tubular member having an outside diameter atone end less than an inside diameter of an end of said first tubular member, said second tubular member further having stop means adjacent said small diameter end, whereby said second tubular member may partially telescope into an end of said first tubular member to said stop means.

More specifically, the tubular members comprising the tube assembly of the present invention each have a small diameter end and a large diameter end whereby the small diameter end of one of said members may telescope within the large diameter end of the other tubular member. Further, stop means on the small diameter end of the telescoping tubular member may be a ring around the outside diameter thereof, may be a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the member around the periphery thereof, or any other suitable means. Hence, the said stop means limit initial telescoping between the two tubular members. With the members in an extended telescoping relationship, the tube is placed on a texturing machine to receive a yarn package produced therearound. Compressive forces produced by chucks that support the dye tube on the texturing machine, winding machine or the like are such that the initial stop means are required. Without some means to maintain the tube in the extended position during winding, compressive forces thereon could cause premature collapse of the tube.

Further stop means may be provided on either or both of the tubular members such that after the yarn package is produced therearound and the tube is collapsed during dyeing, the further stop means define limits to further telescoping or collapsing of the tubular members. Such further stop means may again be any type obstacle on the tubular member so as to impede telescoping between the two members. Preferably, a shoulder is provided around the outer diameter of the inside tubular member adjacent the large diameter end thereof and the inner diameter of the outside tubular member adjacent the largediameter end thereof.

The disposability of the perforated dye tube of the present invention is predicated upon the economics of manufacturing same. The present dye tube may readily be injection molded from any one of numerous plastic materials. Moreover, since the tube is designed to be thrown away after a single use, a first quality plastic is not always required. Suitable plastic materials include those that may be successfully injection molded, have sufficient strength to withstand collapse during winding and dyeing and will withstand the dyeing and drying temperatures without distortion or shrinkage around the dye spindle such thatremoval therefrom is difficult. Polypropylene is generally suited for such use, has the desired physical characteristics and without limitations thereto, is a preferred material for the manufacture of dye tubes according to the present invention.

The openings or perforations defined by the tubular members generally are provided along substantially the entire length of the tube except for the opposite end portions thereof. Dye liquor flow into the inside of the yarn package is thus facilitated in both the extended and collapsed telescoping conditions. In designing the respective tubular members, it is preferable that the openings not be uniformally spaced around the periphery of the respective tubular members. As such, once the dye tubes are collapsed in the dye kettle, the longitudinal and transverse ribs that define the openings of one of the tubular members will not cover the openings in the other tubular member such that dye flow therethrough is unsatisfactory. Otherwise, guides should be provided for the tubular members to ensure alignment of the openings in the two tubular members in the collapsed condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of an assembled dye tube according to the present invention showing a partial cross section thereof.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a dye tube according to the present invention in the fully collapsed state.

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of a tubular member according to the teachings of the present invention showing initial stop means thereon.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a spacer as may be employed with the dye tubes of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of a dye spindle having a plurality of yarn packages therearound, the tubes of which are extended.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a dye spindle having a plurality of yarn packages thereon in a compressed condition according to the teachings of the present invention. I

FIG. 7 is a partial cross sectional view of a tubular member according to the present invention showing a further stop means thereon in the form of a shoulder.

FIG. 8 is a partial end view of a tubular member according to the present invention showing a further embodiment thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the Figures, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. In FIG. 1, a dye tube assembly generally indicated as 10 is illustrated in an extended condition, ready to receive yarn therearound. Dye tube assembly 10 comprises a first tubular member generally indicated as 20 into which is telescopingly received at one end a second tubular member generally indicated as 30. Tubular member 20 comprises a small diameter end 21'and a large diameter end 22 that define the limits of a tubular wall 23. A plurality of longitudinal ribs 24 and transverse ribs 25 make up tubular wall 23 and define a plurality of perforations or openings 26 therein. Perforations 26 are spaced around wall 23 along at least a major portion of the length of wall 23. Perforations 26 are provided to permit the passage of dye liquor therethrough to the inside of a yarn package (not shown in FIG. 1) around tubular member 10 so as to achieve even dyeing of the yarn that comprises the package. A shoulder 27 is presented internally of tubular member 20 at small diameter end 21, the purpose of which will be described in detail hereinafter (See also FIG. 7). Tubular member 20 further has a tapered or beveled edge 29 around the large diameter end 22. As such, during collapse with a yarn package produced therearound, beveled edge 29 biases the inner most layers of yarn outwardly. Consequently less yarn is entrapped by tubular members 20 and 30 during collapse of tube 10.

Tubular member 30 which telescopes into tubular member 20 is comprised of a small diameter end 31 and a large diameter end 32 which define the limits of a side wall 33. The inside diameter of large diameter end 32 is preferably equal to the inside diameter of large end 22 of member 20 so as to fit properly on a texturing or other machine for receiving yarn. Side wall 33, similar to member 20, has a plurality of longitudinal ribs 34 and transverse ribs 35 which define a plurality of openings or perforations 36. The openings or perforations 36 in member 30 are likewise provided so as to permit the passage of dye liquor therethrough to achieve even dyeing of yarn in a package produced therearound. Tubular member 30 at the large diameter end 32 provides a shoulder 37 around the outer periphery thereof which provides a further stop means to be described hereinafter. Tubular member 30 adjacent the small diameter end 31 has an initial stop means 38 which limits the initial telescoping of member 30 within member 20. Initial stop means 38 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 as a plurality of spaced apart projections 38 around the outer periphery of tubular member 30. the periphery Referring specifically to FIG. 3, projections 38 are shown to have a forward tapered side 38' and a rear tapered side 38". The particular design and shape of the initial stop means 38 will dictate the amount of pressure required at the ends of the dye tube assembly 10 to permit the large diameter end 22 of tubular member 20 to pass over initial stop means 38. Hence, while stop means 38 is shown in the Figures to be a plurality of spaced apart projections of a tapered configuration, stop means 38 could be a continuous ring around theperiphery of tubular member 20 or the like. Further, stop means 38 could have a flat forward side instead of tapered side 38' to require a greater amount of pressure to pass tubular member 20 thereover, the taper on the forward side 38 could be greater or less, the projections could be rounded, or the like. Thus a greater or lesser amount of pressure could be required to enable tubular member 20 to pass over the stop means 38. Initial stop means 38 may thus be varied according to the dictates of the particular tube being manufactured, and the particular use of same. FIG. 3 further shows perforations 36 to have tapered side walls 36". Such an embodiment is preferred for tubular members 20 and 30.

The tube assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 1 is thus prepared to receive a yarn package therearound. Small diameter end 31 of tubular member 30 thus telescopes into the large diameter end 22 of tubular member 20 until initial stop means 38 are engaged by large diameter end 22 of member 20. At that point, further telescoping of member 30 into member 20 is restricted until a sufficient force is applied at opposite ends of tube assembly 10 so as to permit large diameter end 22 of member 20 to expand and pass over projections 38 on member 30 or such other type stop means as are provided. Passage of end 22 of member 20 over stop means 38 may be due to expansion of member 20, slight buckling of member 30, and/or distortion of stop means 38. Hence, with the tube assembled in the configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the tube is received on the texturing or other machine where yarn is wrapped therearound so as to produce a yarn package to be dyed.

FIG. 2 shows the dye tube assembly 10 in the completely collapsed condition as will be discussed hereinafter. Hence, member 20 resides around the outside of a major portion of tubular member 3b with the small diameter end 31 of tubular member 36 engaging shoulder 27 of tubular member 2% while the large diameter end 22 of tubular member 2ft is adjacent the external shoulder 37 of tubular member 3ft. The yarn package (not shown) that would reside around the collapsed dye tube assembly ltlli would cover a large majority if not all of the assembly MD. in the fully collapsed condition as shown in FIG. 2, the openings or perforations 26 and 36 and tubular members 20 and 361i respectively remain at least partially open so as to permit the passage of sufficient dye liquor therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 4, a spacer generally indicated as 40 is provided having a first tapered end dl, a central rib 42 and a second oppositely tapered end 43. Spacer 40 is provided between adjacent dye tubes with tapered end 41 residing internally of one dye tube and tapered end 43 residing within the adjacent dye tube. The peripheral rib or flange $2 in the approximate middle of spacer 40 separates the ends of the two adjacent dye tubes and is contacted by same. As such, when force is applied to a top dye tube, the force is transmitted from tube to tube by spacers 40 in a uniform manner so as to prevent the buckling or improper collapsing of the tubes. Spacers may be manufactured from any material that will withstand the temperatures experienced during dyeing and drying. Stainless steel and nylon are quite suitable as materials from which spacers 40 may be manufactured. Nylon is preferred.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tube assemblies it) have yarn packages Y shown in phantom therearound and are received over a dye spindle S that is located on a rack or in a dye kettle (not shown). A plurality of dye tubes 10 are thus placed on spindle S with a spacer 40 located between each dye tube it). At this point, dye

tubes iii are in the extended position as shown in FIG.

1 with the yarn package produced therearound. The terminal ends of the tube assembly 10 extends outwardly from the yarn package Y. Once the desired number of packages has been placed on spindle S, a force is applied at the top of spindle .5 against the uppermost dye tube. The magnitude of the force should be sufficient to cause the individual dye tubes to collapse into a fully telescoped state as shown in FIG. 2,

whereby the overall length of each dye tube and packmerous arrangements could be provided to achieve the same end result. For example, the outer periphery of chuck C and the inner periphery of the end of dye tube lib could both be provided with roughened or other high friction surfaces. Likewise, various interlocking arrangements may be provided in lieu of the projection-detent combination as shown in FIG. 8.

The dye tubes of the present invention, for best operating results should be constructed of a material that will distort upon receipt of suflicient pressure to permit passage over initial stop means 38 or to deflect stop age is substantially reduced and the adjacent packages are forced together such that a further number of packages may now be placed on dye spindle S. The forcing of one package into an adjacent package also prevents dye liquor from passing outwardly between the packages. In accomplishing this feature, the dyeing capacity of the kettle is increased by a substantial proportion.

A further embodiment of the dye tube of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. When the assembled dye tube is placed on chucks for wrapping yarn therearound, it is desirable to ensure good transmission of torque from a chuck C to a dye tube 10 during rotation of same. Hence, a portion of a chuck C is shown in FIG.

8 with a portion of a dye tube lb therearound. Chuck C is shown to have a protrusion C' extending outwardly therefrom and the dye tube 10 is shown to have a detent 10' in the inner diameter thereof. Projection C i would thus reside within detent 10' of tube 10 to permit a ready transmission of torque therethrough. One or more of the projection-detent combinations could be provided around the respective peripheries of tube 10 and chuck C. it should be further pointed out that numeans 38 a sufficient amount to pass thereover. Furthermore, the temperatures during dyeing and drying can rise to approximately 300F., and an important feature of the present invention is to provide a dye tube of a material whose softening point is higher than 300F. Hence, during the dyeing and drying, the dye tube will maintain its integrity and will not distort, shrink or otherwise change such that the yarn package tightens around spindle S and thwarts easy removal therefrom. Once the dye tube of the present invention has been used, the economics of manufacturing the tube are such that the tube may be discarded. The preferred method of manufacture of the tubular members 20 and 30 that comprise the dye tube assembly 10 is injection molding of a plastic having the strength characteristics and physical characteristics such that proper longitudinal collapsing of the assembly is permitted while the assembly will not shrink or distort at temperatures around 300F. Polypropylene has been found to be a suitable plastic for the manufacture of the dye tube assembly according to the present invention and is preferred.

Openings or perforations in the tubular members that permit the passage of dye liquor therethrough to the inside of the yarn package, are shown in the Figures as rectangular in shape. Certainly, openings of any geometric configuration may be suitably employed provided that the size and number of openings is sufficient to permit'a proper amount of dye liquor to pass therethrough. it is preferred as discussed with respect to FIG. 3, that the side walls 26' and 36' of perforations 26 and 36 respectively be tapered. 4

Having described the present inventionin detail, it is obvious that one skilled in the art will be able to make variations and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be: determined only by' the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is: 1. A collapsible dye tube assembly comprising: a. a first tubular member, said first tubular member defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof; and b. a second tubular member, said second tubular member defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said second member having initial stop means with a predetermined degree of flexibility adjacent one end thereof and being telescoped into said first member, said stop means engaging said first member, said stop means and said first member being relatively sized with respect to each other to withstand a predetermined amount of axial force only, whereby upon receipt of axial force exceeding said predeterminedamount, said first member overwherein said two tubular members are tapered, each having a large diameter end and a small diameter end.

4. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 1 wherein the stop means are a plurality of projections around the periphery of the second tubular member.

5. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 4 wherein said projections are positioned around the periphery of said second tubular member between said end of said second tubular member and the openings defined in said member.

6. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said tubular members has a further stop means located thereon to limit total telescoping between said members.

7. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 6 wherein said further stop means is a shoulder located adjacent an end of said tubular member.

8. collapsible dye tube assembly comprising:

a. a first tubular member, said first member having a large inside diameter end and a small inside diameter end, said first member further defining a plurality of openings in at least a major portion of the length of a side wall thereof; and

b. a second tubular member, said second tubular member having a large outside diameter end and a small outside diameter end, the outside diameter of the small diameter end being less than the inside diameter of the large diameter end of the first tubular member, said second tubular member telescoping into said first member and having flexible telescope stop means around the periphery thereof adjacent the small diameter end thereof, said stop means and said large inside diameter end of said first member being sized relative to each other to withstand a predetermined amount of axial pressure only, whereby upon receipt of axial pressure exceeding said predetermined amount, said first member overrides said stop means to permit further telescoping of said members.

9. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 8 wherein said stop means are tapered to initially limit telescoping and upon a sufficient force, to be overriden by said first tubular member to permit further telescoping of said members.

10. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 8 wherein said first and second tubular members are injection molded polypropylene.

11. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein the end of the first tubular member that telescopingly receives said second tubular member has a beveled side wall. 

1. A collapsible dye tube assembly comprising: a. a first tubular member, said first tubular member defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof; and b. a second tubular member, said second tubular member defining a plurality of openings along at least a major portion of the length thereof, said second member having initial stop means with a predetermined degree of flexibility adjacent one end thereof and being telescoped into said first member, said stop means engaging said first member, said stop means and said first member being relatively sized with respect to each other to withstand a predetermined amount of axial force only, whereby upon receipt of axial force exceeding said predetermined amount, said first member overrides said stop means and permits further telescoping of said members.
 2. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 1 wherein said tubular members are manufactured from a plastic material having a softening point above about 300*F.
 3. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 1 wherein said two tubular members are tapered, each having a large diameter end and a small diameter end.
 4. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 1 wherein the stop means are a plurality of projections around the periphery of the second tubular member.
 5. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 4 wherein said projections are positioned around the periphery of said second tubular member between said end of said second tubular member and the openings defined in said member.
 6. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said tubular members has a further stop means located thereon to limit total telescoping between said members.
 7. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 6 wherein said further stop means is a shoulder located adjacent an end of said tubular member.
 8. collapsible dye tube assembly comprising: a. a first tubular member, said first member having a large inside diameter end and a small inside diameter end, said first member further defining a plurality of openings in at least a major portion of the length of a side wall thereof; and b. a second tubular member, said second tubular member having a large outside diameter end and a small outside diameter end, the outside diameter of the small diameter end being less than the inside diameter of the large diameter end of the first tubular member, said second tubular member telescoping into said first member and having flexible telescope stop means around the periphery thereof adjacent the small diAmeter end thereof, said stop means and said large inside diameter end of said first member being sized relative to each other to withstand a predetermined amount of axial pressure only, whereby upon receipt of axial pressure exceeding said predetermined amount, said first member overrides said stop means to permit further telescoping of said members.
 9. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 8 wherein said stop means are tapered to initially limit telescoping and upon a sufficient force, to be overriden by said first tubular member to permit further telescoping of said members.
 10. A collapsible dye tube as defined in claim 8 wherein said first and second tubular members are injection molded polypropylene.
 11. A collapsible dye tube assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein the end of the first tubular member that telescopingly receives said second tubular member has a beveled side wall. 